Wonderful

It is so nice to have my family in town together. I was so worried that Bethany and Mary would not be able to make it for Christmas... but they did!! We have had a wonderful time already, laughing and talking. It is so wonderful to have them home. I missed them all! Today Paul and I were on pins and needles waiting for his parents to make their flights into Billings. They got on stand by and are now in mid-flight to Billings as I write this. They will make it!! :)

Today Paul and I found a lovely gift left behind by the extreme cold. The ice on the windows started melting and there were puddles all over the sink and on our bedroom floor. We spent quite a bit of time this morning using hair driers to try and melt the rest of the ice off. YUCK!!

One of my favorite family traditions is having chili on Christmas Eve. This year's tasted especially good. Have a wonderful Christmas Eve!!

Wrapping Presents!!!

It a cold night and we are at home relaxing, staying warm, and wrapping gifts! Oh what fun!!! I remember the days I couldn't wait to open my gifts... but now I think it is just as fun to wrap them up and put them under the tree until Christmas day! I must be getting old or something.

Merry Christmas to All, and to all a good night!

Fun and Fantastic

What a fantastic week it has been. I really enjoy the time leading up to Christmas...even though my students are crazy and excited. I enjoy seeing their faces as the count down to Christmas draws near. I am very tired though. It has been one of those weeks of pure exhaustion. Every day and every night seemed to hold something to go to or be a part of. I was able to go to the Moscow Ballet Tuesday night with my cousin Elizabeth. The ballet company was performing the Nutcracker. We made a night of it and went out to eat to Walkers and then to the performance. It was a BLAST!! I am so thankful for a good friend (who happens to be family too) to go and do things with...Elizabeth is truly a treasure! Paul and I have been preparing the house for Christmas and getting things ready for family and friends to come through our house. I am a bit worried this year as I am just not into cooking. I feel bad for Paul. I am eating more , but I just don't feel good enough to put meals together. It really is hard to motivate myself to cook right now. I have bought lots of chicken strips and burritos that can be heated up and eaten... there is no creativity right now. :( Oh, well... at least I know that it will return someday!! :) I hope that everyone's plans are going well and that you find some time to rest in the One who created you and just BE STILL. :)

Well here are the poll results...

OK... so the poll ended 50/50 with Alicia voting in late for the girl. So the girl wins by 1. :)
I had to laugh at her comment. Well, I am on my way over to read at Barnes and Noble for my school. It should be fun! :)

All is well

Thanks to those of you who have been praying for Abbie after our little car accident last weekend. It as nice to go to the OB today and hear a STRONG heartbeat. Everything is okay with Baby!!! What a relief.

Mark Your Calendars... the BIG REVEAL - Jan. 7

Circle, color, highlight, draw, stick flashing lights on your calendar: January 7, 2009. That is the date of the Big Reveal. Is Baby a boy or is Baby a girl. The wait will be over!

baby

Well, it looks like the voting is 50/50 so far. :)

scary thing!

Abbie and I experienced a first for both of us today. We were in a car accident. Thankfully it was not any worse than it was!

Traffic was slow on 32nd and was pretty backed up, stop and go. We stopped, and the girl behind us went... right into the back of our car. The baby is our BIGGEST concern, and we think everything is okay. Just got home from the walk-in clinic, and things seem okay. We both have pretty sore necks...and I am sure we'll be more sore tomorrow.

Abbie is still pretty shook up. It's a scary thing. It's nice that we already had our next appointment with the OB for this Wednesday, so I am sure he'll give more complete check up. If you think of it, be praying for our precious little baby... and for momma too!

What do you think we will have?

I have posted a poll and we would like to know what you think we will be having a boy or a girl. We will find out in January. :)

Pretty exciting!!

Home Again, Home Again Jiggety Jig

I am so thankful that I made it home today. I am tired and wondering how we made it. The roads were really bad. On the way home we saw one semi that had crossed over probably 30 min. before we got there. Pretty scary. There were quite a few cars that were in the ditches. I am thankful for the safe drive home and for the people who were praying for us. :) It is NICE to be home!!

Stuck Tight

Well, here I am in a place that I never thought I would be staying...a Big Timber hotel. I have spent the last 4 days on a trip to Helena where I learned massive amounts of technology to share with other teachers and of course to use myself. Helena was great fun. I made some new friends and learned a lot. We stayed in a very nice hotel and had a chance to do some creative activities throughout the two days. Our group left yesterday and the roads were great. We made it to Bozeman and across the pass...but we noticed more snow beginning to accumulate and that as the sun began to go down that there were more patches of ice. We began to slow down as we snuck along the highway. Then we began to get scared as we passed multiple accidents. We got absolutely quiet as a car spun out of control in front of our car and landed in the median. We pulled over to see if everyone was okay, and they were. As the car creaked along the road again we began to discuss what we should do. The roads were getting worse and we were still quite a ways away from Billings. So, we decided to stay the night in Big Timber. We ate dinner and stayed the night... and that is where I am now writing from. I was bummed that I would not be in my classroom today. I had to send my plans to Jill who gave them to my sub. I am unsure of our next steps because one of the ladies that is with us got violently ill last night and is, at the moment unable to travel. So, everything is up in the air. I will write again when I get home.

NETS 5.d

ELF!!!

You know it's Christmas time when you get excited to watch Elf again! That's what Abbie and I are doing tonight. Such a funny movie.

I've been kind of a bum today. My hamstring was still pretty tight after playing the turkey bowl yesterday, so I didn't get out hunting with Abbie, Steve and the dogs. Instead I laid around doing some reading for my final assignments before seminary classes end next week! It's crunch time.

I also watched the Husker's game this afternoon. A Friday after Thanksgiving classic vs. Colorado. It was like the good ole days... almost! A great game with Nebraska coming out on top.

Well, back to ELF!

Hunting with Dad

I had a wonderful time hunting with my dad today. Is was so much fun going with him. I haven't been able to go for awhile and it felt really nice to be able to get out into nature with my dogs. We went out for the soul purpose to see how Hunter did hunting. He did really well. He listened and stayed close to us. He even got up a grouse. My dad shot it and then Hunter didn't know what to do with the bird. He found it but he wasn't sure how to bring it back. It was hilarious!! Squirt and Bailey were waiting patiently in the car. It was really funny how they knew what was going on and couldn't wait to get out and hunt and Hunter was clueless. He did enjoy it and now both he and Bailey are tuckered out. I think it was a promising day and a great one to spend with my dad. I did not shoot anything but my dad was able to get the grouse with Hunter and a partridge with Squirt...poor Bailey didn't get to retrieve a bird today. It was a GREAT day!! (and I am glad that I could get a little exercise too!)

Happy Thanksgiving Late

Wow, yesterday flew by. Both Paul and I were up and around all day long. Paul got up early and played in the Turkey Bowl. His team lost but he did have a lot of fun. (He almost pulled his hamstring again... I am very glad that he didn't...it is tender though.) I went to coffee with my friend Natalie and had a great time catching up. Then Paul and I got ready and went right over to my aunt and uncle's house. It was a very busy day. It was packed with things to do or help with and when we weren't doing those things we were playing games. The time went fast and before we knew it it was time to head home. We had a blessed day and we are very thankful for the family and friends taht we have. I hope that you had a wonderful Thanksgiving as well.

MASH-ED POTATOES

YUM!! Paul made me mashed potatoes tonight for dinner with a piece of chicken. He is so wonderful. I had a rough day at school and felt really depressed so I was thankful for the time and energy he put into making a dinner and cleaning everything up. He's been so amazing with helping me around the house. He sees things and then just goes ahead and does them. THANK YOU PAUL!! I went to a really cool DEMARLE party and I hope that I can have one in January or so. I would love to have people over to my house and I need to use my new kitchen. They had such neat stuff. Anyway... I am thankful for some time off this week. :) Very nice!!

Furiously Fast

Alright, one day down and only 1/2 day left to teach in November. cRaZy!!! I have been starting to feel better each day. My anxiety is beginning to subside, (depending on the day) which is very nice. Paul and I spent the weekend getting all of our decorations up in the house. We did a pretty good job. I knew that in the weekends to come that there would be no time. So, it had to happen before Thanksgiving. (this is NOT a normal practice for us!) Yesterday was busy and this week seems like it will be the same. Although it will be spent with family and friends. :) Anybody want to share what there favorite Thanksgiving tradition is?? :)

Tired

OK...Time really is going so fast. My weekends fly by and I am not sure why I can't catch up on rest. I feel like I have checked my brain somewhere and I can't seem to find it. I am trying desperately to remember what I have planned for a day and to stick to it. :) My students are very forgiving.

I received a phone call from my dad today. He took Bailey hunting this week. He told me that Squirt got into a porcupine and played around with it. Poor thing got poked quite a few times and my dad had to sit and pull them all out. Well, about an hour later Bailey disappeared for quite a long time...and sure enough she got into a fight with a porcupine!!! She had spines all over!! Inside her mouth...everywhere!! He had to run Bailey into the vet... a vet that is only in a few days a week. Poor Bailey had to be put under so that they could pull out the spines. cRaZy!!! She is doing well though and I am excited to get her back tonight... so is Hunter... he is pretty wired and really needs his friend back. :)

my crazy wonderful wife...

Christmas music... can you believe it?!!! I've voted her the holiday cheermister... for spreading the christmas cheer. No grinch around here!

Things seem like things are actually getting back to normal around here... whatever that is. This will be the first week in a month when things at the church are somewhat in the form of the regular routine... which I am actually thankful for. There is something comforting about knowing for the most part what I have to do this week, and that most of it actually has something to do with student ministry! Seems like i've barely even been able to do youth ministry the past month... my schedule has been so full with other things... good things, but definitely other!

Yes, There is Christmas Music

Yep, I know... I have already put up Christmas music. I had to. I really love this time of year and I really do enjoy Christmas music. I hope that you can appreciate it too! :) I hope that this helps lift your spirit today!! Have a good one!!

Heartbeat

Yeah!! My second check up went very well. I found out that my blood type is O+ ... I had always wanted to know that. I had some of my fears calmed today, which was good and I am perfectly healthy. My blood work came back "GREAT". It was amazing to hear the tiny heartbeat today. It was 142. I think it was a good reminder that I have a special little life in me. It is a surreal feeling. I am starting to feel better, so I am now wearing a little make-up and am wearing my hair down. People noticed the difference. :)
Ciao for now!!

Shocking

Boy, it is shocking that we are in the second week of November. I am going to be gone 2 days this week because of special training classes, so I know that this week will go by way too fast. Next week will be "normal" in that I will not be going anywhere and we have full days of school...but then, lookout, it is Thanksgiving week and then we are into December. I keep thinking that time will, "slow down" but it is not. I guess that this is what grown-ups warned me about when I was little, "time will go by so fast when you are older." I obviously did not believe them. My mom always says, I can't believe that my oldest child is 27. I guess time went fast for her. One thing then that I should start learning is to be grateful for the day that I am in. Nothing in life is certain and we never know what is coming around the bend. So, what I think I am saying to myself is, count your blessings. :) I hope that you all have had a meaningful day.

Whew, what a Day!!

Today was a long one, but a good one. I started off going to the Tech Club that we put on every Thursday morning for those students who want to learn more about technology. Then I only had a half a day with my class. I am always bummed when it is a quick day. I like being able to finish out a whole day with my class. It was parent teacher conferences today and yesterday. They went well. I always enjoy getting to know the different parents that go with the students that I have the opportunity of knowing. I was very tired today though because I was in conferences all day until late into the evening. We did a really cool thing as a class today. My students and I were able to participate in a webcast that involved scientists in the Arctic who study Polar Bears. It was a live broadcast and I was able to send in questions that my students had and they received answers from the scientists themselves. The scientists even told my students "hello" by specifically mentioning the name of our school and class. They thought it was great!! I knew that they would like it. :) Well, I am pooped. I am going to jump into bed!

Yeah, Paul is Back!!

It is so nice that Paul is home. I need him right now...especially to help remember things for me. I feel like my brain has gone on a permanent vacation. I am forgetting some of the silliest things!! Someone will ask me to come over for example and I will say "sure" and then forget the next moment. Weird! Hopefully this will not be a forever thing. :)

Halloween was fun, Paul came home early and surprised me. It was so great to have him home early! We went over to my parents house and had chili, carved pumpkins and watched part of The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown. My cousin Maddy stayed with us this week, it was so nice to have her! I don't get to see her as much as I would like. We then went to the Hargroves for the rest of the evening. :) Too fun!! I really wanted to hand out candy but we only had ten trick-or-treaters. Bummer. That was our weekend! I am glad that Paul is back!

Great Day

Today was a great day. I felt good and not very nauseous I was very tired though tonight when I got home. I was able to spend some time with my mom and that was fun. I bought two pumpkins this weekend. I think that I am going to carve one and put a baby one inside of the "mommy" one. We'll see how that works. If it works I will try to get a picture of it. :) I am hoping that I will feel good tomorrow too!

What a wonderful day it was! I am so glad that I was able to just rest yesterday and catch up on some much needed sleep. I was so refreshed when I came into work this morning. I think it made a huge difference with my whole outlook. I am really thankful!! I took this fun picture tonight I have been messing around with the different possibilities that photobooth allows you to do. It is way too much fun!! Last night I was able to go over and see Robert at Carolyn and Rob's house. I love it when I have the chance to go hang out with all of them. I don't get to see them very much. Everyone looked like they were doing well. I was really glad to see Robert because I don't hardly ever get to see him and he is so much fun to talk to. Anyway, it was a great night to pop over and see them all. It made my week!! (Oh, yeah.... I ate a Quiznos small sub!!! I am so excited that I got some real food down and not just crackers!!)

Sleepy Time

I took the day off to get some much needed rest. I have been feeling under the weather for the past week and 1/2 or so. I am glad that I had a chance to just sleep, sleep, sleep. My mom was the guest teacher in my classroom and my students really enjoy having her there when I am gone. I wish I could say that I got things done around the house, buy alas, I did nothing but sleep. I must have needed it. (That is always what my mom says.) I feel ready to go back to school tomorrow. :)

Fighting the Crud

So today was odd... I couldn't tell how I was really feeling. Sometimes I was OK and then sometimes not. I really hate gagging... let me tell you. I would rather throw up than gag!! I feel like I have been fighting something other than nausea the last two days. I almost called in for a sub today... I am glad that I didn't because there were none to be had. It is weird without Paul here. The house is so very quiet!! This also means that my adult interactions during the day have fallen greatly. :)

The Dogs

Our funny doggies!!

Tired

Well, it seems as if my appetite is coming back. I actually was able to get a few veggies down. Yeah!! I wish that I felt better. I am tired all the time and I always want to lay down. (at least it seems that way.) I felt good today, but I am never guaranteed that I will feel that way. We had a great surprise today when a group of High schoolers and their leaders came and cleaned up all the dead branches that broke during the snowstorm. What a blessing that was!! Paul and I were so thankful!

we HEARD him (or her... or them)

Well, it's official... a little baby boy or girl is growing inside Abbie... and we didn't have to take the doctor's word for it, the little heart beat was loud and clear!!! Pretty amazing.

We knew she was pregnant going in today, but i guess this just makes it sink in and be all so much more real... and ALIVE!

I'm pretty sure its a boy, although I would love a little girl too! Which may be the case as well... Abbie thinks there are two of them hanging out in there... which runs in the family... thanks Gloria ;-) I guess that is all part of the journey and adventure.

Yucky

Today was a difficult day at school. I felt exhausted and really sick. :( Definitely not fun!! I am hoping that tomorrow will be a better day. I will be teaching teachers all about Inspiration 8 and how to use it in their classrooms. I really do hope that tomorrow goes better than today!!

I guess it's time

Yep, I guess it's time to let you know how I am feeling. Yes, I am pregnant and I am feeling the effects hard. My stomach is getting a little more round every week and my tastes fluctuate so much that I don't even know what I like or don't like anymore. I guess it is always true that if Paul and I go out to eat I always end up eating his dinner and then he is stuck with mine. He is such a wonderful husband!! The morning sickness has been easing off slightly. I do not feel good when I have an empty stomach... so I am trying to eat healthier foods except for the fact that my body literally rejects them. :( I end up eating a bagel and cream cheese for breakfast lunch and dinner. Oh, well I guess it is something in me. I just wish it were veggies and fruit!!

It still has not sunk in that I am expecting. I keep thinking that I am gaining weight and that I have caught some sort of really bad flu bug. The exhaustion sometimes sends me over the edge. I know that it will get better... I am hoping. :)

Pray for me this Thursday as it is my first prenatal appointment and I am nervous. I am praying that all goes well!!

Houdinie's trick found out!

So, after three days... I finally found out how Hunter escaped! He found 1 loose board and pushed his way out... then the board would fall right back in place like nothing was wrong!

Nothing a few wood screws couldn't fix. Now we wait for his next new trick!

Escapee

So, Hunter has figured out a way to get out of our backyard. We have absolutely no idea how he is doing it. He has done 3 times. Paul and I will put him in the back and sneak around the front thinking that we may just catch him. But he never escapes when we are watching. Oh, so frustrating!!

Bright Colors

OK, so I need to write and tell you what happened yesterday. When Paul was dropping me off at school we noticed two massive trucks that were on the primary side of the building dumping rocks into the playground. They were HUGE trucks. I didn't think anything of it until recess at 10:15. At that time my class headed outside after the big tests that they were taking. we came out and there were two second grade classes and two third grade classes outside as well as my class. The kids were doing fine and the second grade teacher kept apologizing because they had to come over to the intermediate playground. I assured her that it was no big deal. about 10 minutes into recess the two trucks started heading over onto our side of the building. They were coming around the back heading straight for a group of tiny second graders and a kickball game. I have never felt so frantic. I went running across the field flailing my arms and yelling at the kids to move away from the trucks. I was luckily dressed that day in a bright green skirt and bright orange top. I couldn't be missed. I had no idea where the trucks were headed so I kept right on herding the kids away from the monsters. Finally the trucks rolled onto the road and were out of sight. I was exhausted and the second grade teacher was laughing at how I looked running around in my bright skirt. I know I looked funny! :)

Exploratorium: Ten Cool Sites

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  Exploratorium: Ten Cool Sites

  
  

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  • This is a great place to find relevant websites for students to use. - post by joy2116
  
  
  
  
  
  
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    ForgeFX: Interactive 3D Simulations
    
    A set of fun, interactive, and educational 3D simulation “games.” You’ll need the free Flash player.
    
    
  
  
  
  

27

It was such a fun day yesterday on my birthday. I can hardly believe that I am now 27 yrs. old! Let's see, where do I start?? Well, Elizabeth (my Cousin) took me out for breakfast at McCormicks it was soooo good! We spent the morning downtown at the farmers market and at the bead store making new earrings. (it is so much cheaper to make your own). Then we grabbed some lunch ar Subway with Kyle and Natalie and Greyson and went to the horse races. It was so crazy being at the races. We did not stay long. Paul was wonderful and took me to dinner in Red Lodge at my favorite restaurant called Bridge Creek. Oh, My!!! It was so awsome! They even had Creme Brulee for dessert!! yummy! Anyway, it was a great day and I felt really blessed by the day and by all the people who called or wrote to say happy birthday. Thank you for making me feel special! ~Abbie

Fall is Coming!!

My favorite time of year is Fall. I enjoy the warmer days and the crisp cool nights. I am excited that Fall is coming soon. I can tell that there is a bit of a bite in the air already. (Montana is always quick to go to Fall.) I am hoping that the trees will turn soon. Yesterday was very cold here in Billings... not the kind of Labor Day that I was expecting. Paul and I were able to go to my grandparent's house (Strutz's) I always enjoy being able to visit family whenever I can. It was a small get together since Bethany, Mary and my mom were in Oregon. (Luke in Boise). So it was my grandparents, Elizabee, my dad and Paul and I. Today was a great day back at school. My students are learning Geometry through the use of Origami. I think that they like it. :)
Have a great day!

Do You Believe in Me?

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Fantastic

Well, I know that God made me to be a teacher. I was so excited to start school and I loved the first day of it! My class will be great this year... including all the different challenges that may present themselves. I am really thrilled to be teaching. So for those of you wondering how the day went... it went very well!! Hope you all had a great day too!! God bless!

Getting Ready

Well, school starts this Tuesday and I am ready for it to begin. I feel ready for the school year and I am so excited to have the students start coming to class. I think that I must feel more confident in my teaching and in running a class. My room is ready and I even have everything filed away this year!! (no piles of paper laying on the floor!!) So far I have 23 students and more than likely I will end up with more than that. (at least that is what usually happens). Let's see, what else... well I will have two animals in my classroom and Desert Gecko and a Teddy Bear Hamster. They are very cute and fun. I think that the students will really like the animals. OK, well that is the start of the year so far.

There and Back Again

KC was fantastic. I enjoyed spending time with my in-laws and with Paul's brother and his family. It was jam packed with fun things to do. We explored downtown KC, went to a Royals game, Branson, Silver Dollar City, swimming, Liverpool Legends etc. It was great. I felt tired during the week, I think just because I needed to relax. It was a perfect beginning to going back to school next week. I am excited for school to start. Yippee!!

Bethany left the day Paul and I returned from KC. I was so sad that I missed seeing her before she left. It was wonderful to have her around this summer. Mary is getting ready to go to school too. I am really going to miss having her around here. I haven't had a chance to hang out with her as much this summer. I am hoping to grab some lunch with her next week.

Before I sign off I wanted to write about one of the funny things that happened on our KC trip. First, Paul and I and Judy and Dave went to a Royals game on buck night. Buck night means that you can get a hot-dog for a buck, a coke for a buck etc. We thought that was pretty cool. So about the third inning we got into line to get dinner. We waited and waited. Finally Paul told me to go sit and he and Dave would wait for the dogs. They ended up waiting until the bottom of the 6th inning to get their hot-dogs!! I felt so bad for them! Oh, well, Judy and I enjoyed watching the game! :)

Kansas City here we come!

Well I can tell that we needed a vacation!! We made it to Judy and Dave's and Paul and I just crashed!!! I was so tired all day today and I actually think that I am a bit run down and fighting the beginning of a cold. yucky! Today we just laid low and looked around KC. Tomorrow we are going to see the Twins play the KC Royals. It should be fun. I guess it "buck night" because all food etc. is a dollar. :) It should be a fun evening!

I thought that this picture would be fun to place on the blog. We woke up one morning really early (in Africa on the Masai Mara) to go and try to see some animals. I thought it was so beautiful watching the quiet air balloon rising in the background. I bet they saw a lot of really great animals.

EXCELLENT!!

OK, well the tech classes went spectacular!! I had great groups who were rearing to learn. I was very proud of the interest they showed and their enthusiasm for trying something brand new. I am a bit tired but it is the good kind of tired, if you know what I mean. I am super excited for this next year. I will be on a tech team of teachers who goes into classrooms and helps other teachers incorporate technology in the lessons that they are already teaching. I think it will be neat to see how they end up using the technology after they learn it. Anyway, the last two days have been great!! Paul and I are preparing for our kitchen to be ripped apart. We have a lot of things that need to be packed and put away. I am sitting here wondering where the summer went. I am definitely ready to go back to school and incorporate some of the brand new things that I have learned this past year. Ciao for now!!

Preparing...

Well, I am preparing for teaching tech classes tomorrow for teachers in the district. I am very nervous because I do not yet know the ability levels of my students. I am hoping that it will be a worth while thing for each of the people who attend. I am also tired. I just returned from a Coeur D' Alene Idaho. I went with my mom to visit my aunt and uncle. It was a blessing and I am really glad that I was able to go. Not much else is happening besides preparing for school to start in a couple of weeks. wow, the summer just flew by!!! I think that time is speeding up because I am getting older. Am I right? Have a great day!!

I am really enjoying the new site www.widgetbox.com .
It has all sorts of fun widgets to add to your web pages, blog etc. You should check it out... it is a lot of fun!

Fun Pictures

Dog Family :)

Here is the picture that we took of our "family" of dogs before the puppies were shipped off to their new homes.

Here is the nut house !!!! :)

I love this picture!! I took it of my Grandpa Ronny in Oregon. He was walking his dog Fanny down to get the mail. Isn't cool!?

Well, I am exhausted from the week. I still think that I am recovering from camp last week. It was really a great camp!! I am very glad that I decided to go. Wednesday Paul and I said goodbye to Boo and Squirt. They were so much fun to have!! I know that it was time. (Paul and I were getting very little sleep!!) I will have Paul post the picture we took of our little "doggy" family", it is very cute.

I am trying this week to prepare for my tech classes the beginning of August. I can't seem to concentrate, so, I am hoping that I can finish the last minute details this weekend. I will be discussing: MIMIO use in the classroom; using Inspiration 8 in the classroom; getting familiar with the use of Power Point in the classroom; and creating movies using imovie. It should be interesting. I dyed my hair red... I am hoping the teachers won't think I am some sort of "punk" kid. :)

I am really excited to go visit Julie and Greg this next week. It should be fun to see them and to catch up. :)

See you!!

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Mary's dance

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I have not had the chance to place anything on here in awhile!! The summer has been going by so very fast. I have been working on creating tech classes for August and for PIR days this next year. I am excited to be involved in teaching these. I am a little nervous. Let's see... camp was amazing and I am so very glad that I had the chance to be with my cell group girls one last time before they head off to college. The puppies are getting big and they will head to their new homes this week. I am glad... Paul and I have not been getting much sleep the last couple of days. :) There is so much that I want to talk about but not enough time. Hope you enjoy the videos I posted. :)

BOLIVIA

WOW!! Here we are in Bolivia and what a time we have had to get here! We finally got to the missionary compound after 30 hours of travel. We had two students forget their immunization records to get into the country and their parents had to fax it to the airport...we had to turn back our flight after being two hours in the air and go back to Miami because of engine troubbles...we had ducks on the runway in Denver so we couldn't take off... we had picky passport stanpers who wouldn't take 100 dollar bills from the year 2001 and they all had to be in perfect condition. :) Anyway... we have great students with us who were funny and had great attitudes. It will be a winderful trip!!

Here We Go!!!

Okay, we have now left Billings and are on our way to Bolivia. The students are excited as well as the leaders!! :) Paul and I are a bit tired...running on 2 hours of sleep. Paul commented that he was glad that he was not one of the ones driving to Mexico. PHEW!! He is fighting a cold right now. Please pray for him. Well, we will be boarding in a few! I will try to write again later!

The Graduation in Coming

I think that I am beginning to feel the pains of letting go of a grown child. I have worked with a group of girls for 6+ years. They are graduating this year and I will have to say good-bye and watch them go all around the country. I am sad and excited all at the same time. Each of the girls is so different. They come from different backgrounds, different interests etc. They are so unique and yet they fit so wonderfully into the body of Christ. I will have the chance to "be their leader" for one more Sunday. My heart feels as if it will burst. I know that I will be a blubbering mess... I trust God with their lives. I know that each one has been presented with the gospel and so I know that they know Truth. I pray that they will grasp onto it and live out their faith in Christ in every area of their life. I thought that I would share a few pics and I will share more stories as graduation gets closer. This weekend alone we have over 20 graduation parties to go to. WOW!!! Lord bless these kids...may they bring your HOLY NAME to all areas of the Earth. Go with them as they embark in the "adulthood journey"

Puppy fever

Okay, I can honestly say that I am tired. The puppies are so cute...but they are also so very small. I am amazed that they are going to be a big 60 lb. dog someday. The puppies keep me up at night. I am worried that Bailey might roll over onto them etc. But you know what? She is an amazing mother. She has more than once blown my mind by what she does to care for the little guys. It really was one of the most amazing things that I have ever seen in my life. The little puppies have tiny little fingernails, a little fur coat, teeny weeny paws...it is amazing!! Their little eyes and ears are still closed, but they are growing daily. :)

2 bundles of joy

Well, it was definitely not what we expected. Bailey did great, but had a tough delivery... only 2 of the 6 pups made it. It's so sad that the other 4 little lives never experienced a breath of their own... but we are so grateful for the two that made it!

the puppies are coming... the puppies are coming!

Well, they are being born as i write! It's pretty amazing. They are SO tiny! We'll write more when she finishes in a few hours.

Happy Anniversary Paul!!

I just want to let you know how much I love you babe! I know that we are so different, in many ways... but I also know that we compliment each other perfectly. I LOVE YOU!! I am thankful for you and what you add to my life. I am so very grateful for you! I can't wait to spend another 3 years with you!! :)
~Abbie

still waiting...

In case you wondered... those are not OUR puppies in the video. We are still waiting expectantly! Today is day 61 since Bailey and Hunter's rendezvous. They say the gestation is anywhere between 60-63 days... So, anytime I guess.

Do puppies count as an Anniversary gift? Just Kidding!

puppies

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No puppies yet

Well, Paul and I are just waiting until the little puppies decide to come. I really thought that they may come this weekend because both Paul and I were extremely busy. Paul did the 30 hr. famine with the jr. high and high school students. so I was up part of the night fussing over Bailey. I actually could feel the little puppies kicking. It was amazing. I also went to see Prince Caspian, it was a great movie. I recommend it. Anyway, Paul returned right when I left to go up to a cabin with the seniors. (I can't believe that they are graduating!!) It was a very fun and tiring weekend. I didn't get much sleep and I really thought that the puppies were coming and I was missing it. But, they didn't. Here is a little token from the funny weekend. :)

A cute note from my husband!

Please enjoy this sweet note from my husband!


"Well... The x-ray is in... There are DEFINITELY puppies!

Doc thinks it may be a pretty big litter. He saw off the 1 x-ray they took
6 or 7... And there definitely could be more. Bailey's heart beat was
strong and he said from the physical exam she looks like a healthy
mom-to-be.

He really put me to ease though with the process. He said, let nature take
it's course. There is not a lot we can do. Make a place that she feels
comfortable in and hope she goes there when it is time. He said, very
possibly you could wake up one morning next week and have puppies. Be
attentive the when she goes into labor, but don't stop everything in life.
She is probably not going to want to have us around when she has them
anyways!

I love you, grandma!"

it's official

Well, I just got back from the vet. Bailey's belly is full of pups! We are expecting her to give birth sometime next week. Doc said she is very healthy and should do just great... let nature take it's course!

what is going on???

Alright, so it has been one of the longest days ever... and the night cap has sent me into oblivion. When Abbie picked me up from church tonight she said... You're going to be a father. No, she's not pregnant, but we think Bailey is. SO, it all started during March Madness. Bailey had been in heat and we had worked hard at keeping Hunter away... but in a moment of not paying attention he made his move and locked up. We didn't know how to separate them, called the vet, and they said to just let it take its course. So we did. Never really thinking much after that, as we thought he's only 9 months old... I guess he had it in him, even as a pup! Bailey has been acting funny for about month, but we thought it was just because she missed Hunter since we sent him to stay with Steve and Janice after he invaded. When I came back from seminary, I thought Bailey looked a little heavy, but thought is was just because she had begun eating normal again while I was gone. But tonight, Abbie noticed Bailey is definitely larger than normal, and her nipples (can I say that?) are enlarged... babies are on the way! We googled pregnant dogs online and learned that the gestation period is 60-63 days. As best as we can remember it was March 21 that the violation went down... which means mid-to late next week may be the time! Tomorrow I'm going to the vet, to make sure all is okay and that she is indeed pregnant. I cannot believe this is happening. I read about the process of birthing online... we need to find someone who knows what they are doing... it is way over my head. I guess tomorrow we'll know for sure.

Finally a Post!

Okay, it has been way too long since I have written a post at all, sorry! It seems as if time has compressed itself...I can't seem to get caught up! I am looking at all the end of the year stuff that is coming up so quickly. I am really going to miss my class. They have been great this year! The weather is starting to get nice and Paul and I have been playing tennis a lot. I am not that great, but Paul is a good teacher and I am actually learning quickly. I just returned from a quick run. I am thankful for the use of my arms and legs. Well, I better get ready for Jenny Summer's wedding. It will be beautiful!!

home sweet home

Well, after 2 weeks in Minnesota doing classroom work for my seminary program, I am now back home... good old sweet home. It is so nice to be here... with the lady I love and in the town is so much enjoy. While it was funny hitting up new places, watching pro baseball, and cruising the freeways... Billings is still the BEST place in the world.

Classes were great, and being able to focus simply on them and not have to deal with the daily responsibilities of ministry here was actually refreshing in a weird way. I've still got 4 weeks of class left, with 2 HUGE projects to finish out the courses... then a whole two weeks off until we leave for Bolivia & my summer class begins!

I was able to get an early flight home on Friday which was awesome since Abbie had the day off from school here... it was so precious... she was so tired from not sleeping well while I was gone, that she just crashed and slept the afternoon away! It's good to know I was missed.

School Ideas

Kenya Escape

To Flock

Here is a great browser that you could use to help organize different networks and rss feeds.
www.flock.com

Detour

Well, who knew that Denver is on the way to Minnesota! I took a little detour today on my way to my next set of intensives for my seminary program. I left Billings this afternoon headed for MSP via a layover in Denver... what was supposed to be a 2 hour layover, turned into an overnight stay!!! A free nights stay in the hotel, $ for dinner/breakfast and a free round trip ticket... sure I miss the first couple of hours of class in the morning, but it should be worth it -- although heading to the airport @ 4 am may change my mind :) I'm supposed to land @ 9:30 am and hope to be in class by 10:30!!! Hopefully all goes well in the morning.

Star

Sometime the Lord shows you something in a new way. I have been learning quite a bit about different historical parts of the Bible. One of the ones that I looked at was the star of Bethlehem. I was amazed by the research done and all the historical documents that work with external historical facts. The mathematics etc that are involved in mapping the night sky. Anyway, the DVD about this is amazing. If you are interested in watching the DVD or looking into the scientific process check out The Bethlehem Star. Beware that you will be amazed!

ROCK CHALK Jayhawks

Wow, I cannot believe in. After 2 games in 3 days the provided the most exciting and nerve-wrecking basketball KU won the NCAA Tournament! Every year at the center of the page on my March Madness Bracket you'll find KANSAS! This year was no different and with Kansas pulling out a thrilling comeback, today I anxiously await my DQ milkshake for having won the office pool - is the okay to do in a church? :-)

I'm still a bit in shock. As Chalmers hit the huge three at the end of regulation, the text messages on my phone started rolling in!

Now, I have to put the excitement of last night behind me (somewhat!) and get ready for the conclusion of our purity series at Junior High Youth group tonight. It's the night that all the parents are invited to come and join, support, and encourage their kids as they step up and make a covenant to live a life of Purity. Hopefully tonights celebration surpasses even that of the Rock Chalk Championship!

Great Weekend

Weekends always go fast. (especially when you are trying to fix the grades you erased!!) It was packed with lots to do and finish up. Yesterday Paul worked all day on The Core stuff. It was great to have it here again. Paul is also very excited that Kansas is in the top two. (I was excited too, I was so excited in fact, that I broke a glass at City Brew...I flung my arm up when the final score was shown and the glass went flying...oops! ) :) Anyway, that's my day! :)

Pulling out my hair

Okay, so all has been going well until this week. I could tell I was stressed because my right eye was twitching for 9 hours straight yesterday. (I also broke out like a 13 yr. old) . I was so frustrated with the testing my students had to take. They really struggled with the reading, and it is very hard not being able to help them out. I had a huge headache. (I definitely like being able to teach). Anyway, we finished up the testing and had our big, huge science fair this afternoon. My fourth graders have first grade buddies that they worked on these science projects with. It took a long time, but the projects were awesome. So, I finished up the day and went to go finish up the grades that are due next week. I had all the specialists in the grade book except for Music. So I went to get help and while I was there I accidentally threw away MY grade book instead of her old one!! I was in shock!! Yes, I permanently erased ALL my grades for this year. It was awful!! I couldn't believe that I could be so hasty. I really didn't think that I had done it...and yep I sure did. One good thing was that I did back up my grades and I only lost an entire month. But still...one month!!! I was sick. Some of my kids really lucked out, because they just got issued a higher grade. Anyway, I am at home typing away and filling in the missing links. Such is life some times. :) ( I think that I gained 15 lbs., 13 gray hairs and new wrinkles on my face in one day!!)

The Headless Bunny

Well school started like any normal day today, except for testing, and I got out a huge box that was addressed to the class. Inside there were lots of little stuffed bunnies for each student in the class. A generous grandmother of one of my students sent the box. I handed out the bunnies before the class came in to start the day. They all came flooding in, excited and full of energy. When they saw the bunnies they practically jumped for joy. About a minute after the bell had rung one little, sweet boy came up to me and said, "Mrs. Hansen, um....well...ummm,....my bunny doesn't have a head!" I couldn't believe it! How in the world did I miss that? I mean, I would think that if you touched each bunny while you were distributing them you would see the headless bunny. I started to laugh. (I guess it reminds me of something that would happen to Charlie Brown). He laughed too and a boy in the class asked if he could have the headless bunny. (boys will be boys!!) So the boy sat down with his new bunny in hand and a smile. I don't know why this touched my funny bone...it just did I guess!! Have a great Easter! :)

Zipper, snap, pop

I have to laugh at myself sometimes. I do some silly things. Here are some examples:
1. I walked into Taco Bell the other day made an order and then sat back to wait for them to call my name. I ordered take out inside the Taco Bell because there was a long line outside. So I waited and waited. I grabbed all my hot sauces ahead of time and waited. Finally order was up. I went up to the counter excitedly not realizing that I had dropped some hot sauces onto the floor. I took a step backwards and, "snap!", "pop!" , I stepped right onto the hot sauce packets. They squirted everywhere! The sauce went all over the floor, my shoes, and up my pants!! Needless to say I drove home smelling like a taco and feeling slimy! : -)

2.Today in class we are taking huge state wide tests. My students are a bit stressed out and I think that I am too. Here's how I know I am stressed. I walked around all morning with my zipper down. When I finally realized my mistake I zipped it up and came into my class and said, "okay, why didn't anybody tell me my zipper was down?" My students looked at me in surprise. Most said that they hadn't noticed, but I could tell the students who had because they turned red. We all laughed and it helped relieve some of the test anxiety.

I tell you what, it is definitely NOT boring being a teacher. It is the biggest blessing!!

Clap On Clap off

Well, it's been awhile since I've had the chance to write on the blog. since the last time I've been on Paul and I have been to Oregon. I have a lot of family there. It was very eventful and full of wonderful things. Time always goes too fast. Paul and I did so much that I don't know where to start out. One of the most funny things I have seen were my grandparent's, clap on, clap off lights. It was hilarious!! Let me set the stage, our first night at there house we were gathered in the living room watching wheel of Fortune... it was dark outside and Fanny (their dog) was playing with a squeaker ball. I was relaxing on the couch when my grandma gets out her boggle game and says,
"I just love playing Boggle during this show!"
I said, "yeah, looks like fun!"
She shook the Boggle box and all the lights went out. It surprised me so much that I started laughing...little did I know that the lights were also sensitive to laughter as well. The lights came back on. The commotion got Fanny barking and the lights went out again. This kept going on for a little while. I haven't laughed so hard in a long time!!

Funny Running

Oh, today was beautiful! I opened up all our windows and shades. The breath of warm, fresh air rejuvenated my spirit! Paul is up with the Jr. High kids and I am home with the puppies. I decided to start on Spring cleaning and so while I was doing that my dogs were giving me the "eye". The "eye" is when they look at you pleadingly to take them for a walk or to give them food. Today, it was for the walk. So, I thought I would be brave and take them both with me on a run. I gathered their leashes and ... we were off. I have not laughed as hard as I did today. I went forward, Bailey went to the right, Hunter went to the right, then to the left, then to the right, and then to the left again. Hunter was jumping and trying to catch the leash in his mouth so that he could run himself. I was giggling the whole time. At one point I had to stop. and Hunter wrapped around my legs, there was a strange dog loose and it was all I could do to keep them close to me. At another point along the run Bailey went on one side of a mailbox and Hunter the other ... we literally almost took it with us. I felt like I was on display the whole time. It was so funny watching people's faces as they drove by... they all were laughing and I knew why. Needless to say... about 1 mile into the run we had it figured out. They did well and they are now quietly laying on the floor exhausted. So, I think it was worth the humiliation and I will do it again tomorrow!

Time Flies

So many things to catch up on... where to begin! This last week has been full. I have been a part of many different school related things that add up and take up time. Last weekend I was also a part of a High-school winter retreat. It was a blessing to go. I had so much fun with four of my senior girls that had a chance to go. I laughed until I cried at times. I went skiing and I enjoyed being out in God's creation. School was rough this week. The kids of course were ready and waiting for Valentines Day. I missed a day to learn how to create podcasts and I was a part of youth group...women's Bible study and more!! Hunter is making me laugh too. He literally jumps up onto our bed at exactly 6:30 in the morning and it is not Paul he jumps on... it's me(he does it during the weekend too, no exception)!! I am not a morning person. Needless to say I do end up getting up... and so does Paul. I am stunned that it is Feb. 17th already. We are almost done with Feb. and midterms are already close at hand. My students will be presenting their animal projects this week and working on Science Fair projects with their first grade buddies. My goal this week is to get up and spend time with God first thing in the morning. ( I will have to set my alarm, and beat Hunter up, out of bed, in the morning!!) : )

Okay

whew! I am laughing at the crazy day I just had... way too many crazy things happening! I had Literature training and learned some great things... I also had to laugh because I had a sub while I was gone and she wrote all over my white board with permanent BLUE marker. Oops!! So, now I have an assignment permanently on the board! : ) I also got a new student today. Poor guy didn't even know who was his teacher because there were so many subs today! He was a very nice young man though. I will enjoy having him in class. Let's see what else... well all the students seemed to want to bring in cans to recycle today of all days. Now I am laughing because Hunter is trying to catch my hands typing in his teeth. I am glad that they are not puppy teeth anymore. Puppy teeth are really sharp!! Okay, well I am going to check my email and go work out!

Super Tuesday

... don't worry I'm not on the campaign trail. After today, MAYBE there will be some other issues and people on the news rather than all this political hubbub.

It is Tuesday, which means Junior High youth group tonight! Now that is the important stuff. Last week it was 12 below on Tuesday night... and we had one of our highest attendance nights of the year... glad we didn't cancel.

Have yourself a SUPER day.

** I still can't believe the Giants are the superbowl champs. Now that this season has ended I can cheer again... GO BEARS!

Paul's day

today has nothing to post... i'll be on tomorrow!

Something Cute

What a Fun Evening

Well, tonight was not quite what I wanted for Paul but it was very enjoyable. I was late in calling everyone, but everyone ended up coming over to the house. It was nice to catch up with family. It is too bad that we don't get together more often... and we even live in the same city!! Too sad. Well, I think Paul felt blessed. He is such a wonderful husband and a very humble person. He does not quite like being in the spot light at all. I am finally getting over my cold and feeling better. I hope that I can finally exercise tomorrow. : )

sooo Cold

Maybe it's just that i'm getting old... this turning 30 thing is fun to play up. Tonight the air temp is supposed to it 19 BELOW zero. Not a good thing when tomorrow's high is -4. BRRRR. I have to go pick Steve and Janice up at the airport @ 11 tonight... they will be in for a rude awakening when they get off the plane after a week in Palm Springs!

Three Strikes, You're Out!!

Okay, okay... part of this is totally my fault, but the majority is the puppies' fault. It all started when Mary, knowing I was feeling better, asked to make noodles. I was very excited to show her how and she picked it up fast. We ate some for lunch and I was proud to have her take some home for her use. Well, the noodles were on the counter drying and ... you guessed it, the dogs ATE EVERY LAST NOODLE!!!! AHHHHHH!!!! Two Sunday nights in a row!! (First tortellinis, then pumpkin pie and now noodles!!) I was so mad... They were stinkers! I guess now I have to learn to lock my noodles away somewhere where they can dry in peace.

(Paul is sitting here on the couch a tired 30 year old man, who just played a rousing game of basketball... he's so cute!!)

Happy Birthday Paul!!

Yeah!! It's Paul's 30th birthday!! Happy Birthday Paul!! I love you!!

Blacklist

Wow, this week has been about as bad of a leadership week as i've had! The irony of it all is that I'm in the midst of working on my Masters in LEADERSHIP. I guess it's true that leadership is not always easy, nor is it always fun. It seems this week that being the leader has put me on everyone's blacklist (or maybe i just perceive it that way because i'm such a people-pleaser).

Last weekend due to horrific weather in Wyoming I had to cancel our Junior High Winter Retreat... what at disappointment for the 60+ junior highers and volunteers who were looking forward to a long weekend away.

Then on Monday, I had to make the tough call of canceling our missions trip to Kenya scheduled for the first week of March... the political situation and violence that is currently flaring up is just to unsafe and unpredictable environment for us to take a team of 13 people to.

And then tonight to cap it all off, I had to give the disappointing news to 7 High School kids that we are not able to take them on a missions trip to Bolivia which they had applied for, simply because there is not enough space to take everyone... 12 get to go, but it sure is hard to tell the other 7 they cannot! I know that keeping the team small is best for the team who is going, and that for the missionaries in Bolivia adding another 7 would be to overwhelming, but it is so hard because these are all such great kids, all who I love and want to encourage to pursue missions experiences and opportunities.

Bummer.

Swallowing My Pride

Well, I had to swallow my pride today to admit that I was too sick to go to school tomorrow. I have the worst cold I have had in years. (My nose is like a red nose reindeer!!) So, I will suck up my pride and sleep and sleep... I am just hoping that I can breathe and not because of my nose, Hunter and Bailey jump up on the bed (they are not supposed to, I blame it on Paul and he blames it on me) and smother me with doggy slobber kisses. (yuck!!) My students were so funny today, they were doing their best to help their teacher out who just wasn't remembering things. It was awful. So, I am praying that a day off is the cure!! This is where I should be!! : )

pumpkin caper

So last Sunday night was one of those classic stories. I had been at church playing basketball for a few hours while Abbie was at a friends house having a Bible study. When I picked her up, she got in the car with half of a freshly baked pumpkin pie! I was so excited for digging in when we got home. Mary was staying over that night as Steve and Janice are in Palm Springs this week. Before devouring the pie, I decided I would go scoop the multiple inches of snow that had been piling up during the day. The whole time while outside my motivation to finish the drive was knowing there was a warm pie waiting for me. About half way through my task I heard a sort of scream from inside... I stopped for a second, then though "ah, it's just Abbie and Mary having fun". I quickly finished up the driveway and came inside where I was greeted at the door by Abbie and Mary with the tragic message: Bailey and Hunter got up to the counter and ate all the pie!!!

Tired!!!

What a day today was! I woke up sicker than a dog and my head ached. I missed my girls group this morning because I was hurting too bad. I finally dragged myself out of bed (really late) dressed and left in a cloud. I had a n appointment for my evaluation... it went well, besides the constant nose blowing and the continuous strange clicking noise in my ear. (yuck!) I made it to my class and I tried my best to keep my head on straight... but boy was it difficult!! My poor kids had no recesses and they were restless. To make matters worse I had a literature/reading evaluation today by a teacher in the district... the surprise though was that she brought another teacher with her to watch. I felt so extremely scattered! yikes! The teachers actually came late to Meadowlark so they missed part of my introduction. When they came into my room so did a high-school girl (she happens to be my new career student.) I felt so bad because I was so feather brained and I wasn't even able to introduce her to my class or anything because I had to continue my lesson. We did get a chance to talk about her schedule and everything over lunch... but my class had to stay in from recess (again!) AHHHH!! I missed eating and by the time I had my prep time I was not able to print my report cards because WORD would not print the second page... I was thankful for a friend who printed mine out for me. I left right away from school and now I am sleeping and trying to heal. I just woke up to drink some tea and write quickly.... so good night!

the runaway

Abbie has been kindly reminding me that this blog is a record of our life and i have not posted to it since creating it... so here goes.

It seems this week that Hunter has been trying to expand his horizon a bit... i guess take your dog to work day (everyday) is getting a little boring and uneventful for him. I was home on Thursday working on an assignment for my seminary classes. Hunter appeared from the basement, where he was playing with Bailey, took 1 step toward the front door, stopped, looked back at me, and began to pee (yeah, right there in the living room). I quickly grabbed him by the collar opened the front door and scooted him out... not knowing that it was 2:30 and school was letting out across the street. Hunter finishes his business and i grab him by the collar and start leading him back inside when all the sudden he evades my grasp and darts through the yard, down the driveway, and across the street right for some nice lady waiting for her child. As she bent down, Hunter leaped into her arms knocking her flat on her back. Luckily the lady had a smile on her face, as the crossing guard and teachers across the street got their laugh for the day...

You'd think I had learned but this morning, not wanting to walk out in the snow I opened the door to let Hunter, who had been whining at the door, out... yeah, he finished his business and darted down Poly Drive... good thing I had my running shoes on! This time I didn't think it was quite so funny!

Bible

I am more than once awed at how cool the Bible is. I am always amazed at the neat things I learn every time I read it. There is just an endless amount of really amazing things. Sometimes I think that there couldn't be any more to learn and then I am pleasantly surprised. I am studying the patriarchs right now and I am blown away at the intricacy of the lineage of the Hebrew nation, from where it was at the beginning point with Abraham to the present. What an amazing God we have!! He heals, plans, forgives, loves, gives grace etc. , etc. , etc. He is endless and words really can't describe all that He is. Boy do I love Him!!

The Joy of Teaching

Let me tell you how great it is to be a teacher. I truly love to work and be with the each and every student in my 4th grade class. Every day I go home amazed at how much they are learning and how they are challenging themselves. Each and every student hits a "light bulb" moment when something suddenly makes sense. I LOVE THAT!! I think the "light bulb" moments are the things that teachers live for. I love seeing them occur in my class. Another thing that I love to see is passion. My students love animals and they were so excited to get started with their animal project that I had to change my lesson plans to show them the procedures 3 days earlier. It was hilarious!! I literally could not hold them back!! So, I had to give them the knowledge freedom they wanted. What a great feeling to watch them take their own learning into their hands and begin running with it.... AWESOME

Amazing Life

~Sometimes I am so overwhelmed with how great it is to be alive. I left Albertsons yesterday and it was a beautiful black night outside. The air was crisp and the stars were brilliant. I felt so refreshed and glad to be alive. : ) I felt extremely close to God in one moment. It was one of those moments when you have no questions, you just know that He is there, and that He cares, and that there is purpose and meaning to life. I am always very thankful for those moments. It seems to make life make sense for a moment. I feel that I am listening more to God than I have in a long time. I am always excited with what I hear Him say when I stop and quiet my heart. I talk so much that I know that I over power, at times, what He is saying to my heart. I am working on being still before the Lord. ~ I am sharing this picture from Africa because it was one of those breathless "God" moments. enjoy!! ~

What a Day

Whoa, what a day!! I am really exhausted... I went to TILT today and learned great things about new technologies. It was fun to teach in a different classroom. I am excited to start the new Bible study this week. It is great fun to be with other women who encourage you to do better in your spiritual walk. Whew... I am too tired to write...sorry! :)

A prayer for Africa

Today I was thinking of all that is happening in Kenya and at times I am a little frightened. I am stunned by the unrest and all that has happened so quickly. I am amazed at all that continent has gone through and is going through. I am now no longer afraid but I am praying over the country. I have no clue if God is going to take us there still in a few weeks or ask us to remain here and wait for His timing. (His timing is ALWAYS what is best, even when we don't understand.) Please continue to pray for Africa, what God is doing over there and what His will is for Paul and I. We are willing to go... we are just waiting for the okay and the when.

Happy, Happy New Year!!!

Happy New Year! Paul and I wish you the best!! may God bless you in the coming year!!